NSW fire appeals raise money, waive fees

The federal and state governments, as well as charitable organisations, are raising money and waiving fees to help out victims of NSW's bushfires.

Charities and government bodies have rallied to help NSW bushfire victims by raising much-needed funds, offering assistance payments and lifting red tape.

The Salvation Army's bushfire appeal has raised $1.2 million and released $500,000 in immediate relief.

Salvos staff will available to fire-affected communities for "the long haul", the organisation's Darrell Slater says.

The NSW government has also waived its waste levy for any people cleaning up their homes and businesses after the fires - saving them up to $107 per tonne of waste.

The federal government on Tuesday announced plans to allow people access to 13 weeks of Newstart payments, if they had lost their income because of the bushfires.

Workers, farmers and sole traders affected by the disaster will also be able to access the payments.

This comes on top of recently announced Disaster Recovery Payments of $1000 per adult and $400 per child, made available to victims who have been injured or had their homes damaged or destroyed in the fires.

Replacement fees for lost passports have also been waived for bushfire victims.


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Source: AAP


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